Some years ago, Instagram used to order followers (or followings) by recently added accounts. However, the sorting now seems randomized. If you are wondering, is there a way to sort my messy followers list? Or what are the sorting criteria? We might have an answer for you.

Nonetheless, not everyone’s following list can be sorted. Also, we discovered some additional factors determining followers’ positioning. Scroll down to learn more.

How To Sort Instagram Followers

Until now, Instagram has not introduced any feature to enable users to sort followers alphabetically, by date, or by the number of posts. Users with less than 200 followers might see the names arranged alphabetically. But the standard is not always followed.

  • How To Sort Instagram FollowersInstagram’s Categories Can HelpHow Instagram’s Algorithm Sorts Followers?Your Interactions Are Being NoticedYour Following is ValuedYour Followers are ElevatedLocation MattersPopular or Verified AccountsGood News: You Can Sort Instagram Following!The Bottom Line

Instagram’s AI works to sort followers based on your relations, interactions, and relevance. These criteria align with your shared interests or how frequently you visit a profile and DM someone.

Instagram’s Categories Can Help

You will see a categories section in the followers list containing headlines like “accounts you don’t follow back” and “least interacted with”. Similarly, “most shown in feed” or “least interacted with” categories are also in the following list.

These categories help arrange your followers and followings in smaller chunks, scrolling through which is comparatively more straightforward.

How Instagram’s Algorithm Sorts Followers?

Though Instagram does not clarifies how its algorithm function to list followers, our research and analysis have revealed the following factors to influence the order:

Your Interactions Are Being Noticed

Interactions on Instagram are defined as when you message someone, like their posts, or comment on their pictures. The algorithm readily detects these activities. Thus, you will notice the users you mostly interact with at the top.

Also, if you and someone you don’t even follow often comments or likes similar posts, chances are that they will rank on the followers list because of mutual interests.

Your Following is Valued

Well, we are all hidden spies or simply stalkers. You will find the people you follow at the top whenever you view someone else’s followers.

Your Followers are Elevated

Your followers, regardless of whether you are following them back or not, are also taken into account by Instagram’s algorithm. One possible reason behind this ranking is Instagram’s assumption that you might already know them and end up following them. 

Other than that, mutual followers will also appear first, i.e., the people following you and the person you are spying on.

Location Matters

If none of the above factors are valid for your case, then the algorithm might resort to sorting based on geo-location.

For example, USA-based accounts will appear on the top if you reside in the USA. Similarly, the same cities or provinces will be prioritized.

Active users, people having verified accounts, or those with loads of followers and followings; are Instagram’s personal favorites. The favoritism is justified, however, as they are trustworthy.

Even if these accounts are in different locations or have zero interactions with you, the algorithm might end up positioning them upward.

Good News: You Can Sort Instagram Following!

Your frustration of being unable to sort a mismanaged followers list is justified. To tone down your annoyance, we can help you arrange the list of people you follow.

To sort Instagram following, perform these steps:

  • Go to your profile page.Tap on the following number.Hit the upside-downside arrow icon on the left.You will see three sorting options: default, latest, and earliest followings.Choose the option of your choice, and the list will sort accordingly.

The Bottom Line

Even if you cannot sort the followers, they are positioned based on your interactions and likings. Thus, one way or another, your followers are being sorted.

Moreover, the categories section contains the accounts arranged in different groups. And the option to sort the people you follow is where you can have complete choice.